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Bed& Breakfast approved in Eagle Point

The Eagle Point City Council followed the recommendation of the planning commission and approved an amendment to allow bed and breakfast facilities as a conditional use permit in single family residences in R-1, R-2 zones and in the town center commercial district. This proposal was one that originated with the economic development committee.

There are strict parking and sign regulations and because the bed and breakfast is not a home occupation, requirements include notification of neighbors within 250 ft. by the city of an applicant’s intent. A formal public hearing is not required unless there is an appeal from a neighbor.

Anyone interested in reviewing the ordinance or asking questions may request a copy from the planning department at the Eagle Point City Hall.

The city held the first reading on a plan to charge itself a franchise fee for water and streets. This will not cost the public additional dollars. All utilities, except Rogue Valley Sewer, pay a franchise fee of five percent (except cable which is seven percent). The city plans to charge itself the five percent fee, which annually will go from the water and streets to the general fund. It is inclusive in the previously proposed increase in the transportation utility fee from $3 to $5.

The city had proposed a five percent utility fee to RVS, which their board of directors has rejected. The city previously cut $500,000 from this year’s budget and Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. they will hold a special meeting to review a proposal to cut $250,000 from the general fund.

Approval was given to spent $4,475 for Don Burt to complete work with economic committee on plans for Main Street from Royal to Buchanan.

Councilors Pat Jacobson and Mike Parker were sworn in, having been reelected, but unable to attend the last meeting.

Bunny Lincoln provided an overview of the huge response received on a recent survey. She said the response was about 30 percent. The city is gathering documentation for an urban growth boundary expansion. The 2000 U.S. Census showed a low education rate in Eagle Point and did not survey post office box holders. The recent survey shows 47% of the population with some college and of that percentage, 24 percent had college degrees. The census report showed 85% percent worked outside Eagle Point. This survey shows 79 percent working outside the city, which signifies the growth in commercial businesses such as Wal-Mart.By Nancy Leonard Of the Independent